Brighten Up Your Weekend with PVD's Tree Lighting Events

Winter is in the air in Providence, which sparkles with the holiday season starting this weekend for Three Nights of Lights. A standout among the festive events is the eagerly awaited annual tree lighting ceremony, a cherished tradition that ignites the season with warmth and wonder. 

Two enchanting tree lighting ceremonies offer two nights to witness the magic, first at the historic Providence City Hall on Friday, followed by a second ceremony Saturday at the BankNewport City Center. Both events promise free, open-to-the-public immersive experiences counting down the much-anticipated illumination and spreading holiday cheer downtown – with a chance to see Santa, too! .

Providence City Hall Ceremony

Along with the tree lighting ceremony on the steps of City Hall, there will be live music from the Lillian Feinstein Elementary School Choir, The Exult Choir of Mixed Magic Theatre, Alexus Lee and her band, and the International Soul Brothers. Ballet RI will also be on hand for photo ops with dancers from The Nutcracker, including the Sugar Plum Fairy, Rat King, and The Nutcracker himself. December 1 at 5pm, 25 Dorrance Street

BankNewport City Center Ceremony

Enjoy live music from the Providence Civic Orchestra backdropping the tree lighting, and Santa Claus will visit for photos with children. December 2 at 5pm, 2 Kennedy Plaza

In addition to enjoying soulful street dancing, attendees can partake in roller skating at BankNewport City Center Providence Rink and capture holiday photos inside a life-sized snow globe. For more festive experiences, head over to the nearby Graduate Hotel Providence, where you can engage in caroling in the Lobby and indulge in complimentary beverage tastings at Reiners. 11 Dorrance Street, Providence

For more family-friendly fun on the agenda for Three Nights of Lights, visit online.